The 22nd Synod of the Diocese of Temotu officially opened on Sunday, 2nd August 2026, with a Holy Eucharist service, followed by a keynote address from the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, The Most Reverend Leonard Dawea.
Speaking to members and observers of the Synod, Archbishop Leonard posed a profound question that framed the theme of this gathering: “What kind of ancestor Church shall we leave for those who come after us?”
This question, he said, lies at the heart of the Synod theme: “Continuing the Journey: Reviewing and Beautifying God’s Mission in Temotu.”
Continuing the Journey
Archbishop Leonard reminded delegates that faith has always been a journey, citing Abraham, Israel in the wilderness, the disciples walking with Jesus, and Saint Paul’s missionary voyages. He emphasized that the Church must remain a “paddling Church” — continuing the journey of faith so that future generations inherit a stronger, more united, and more courageous Church.
“Will they inherit a Church stronger in faith? More united in love? Courageous in witness and compassionate in service?” he asked.
Reviewing Ourselves
The Archbishop urged the Diocese to embrace honest self-examination, quoting the Psalmist’s prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” He stressed that reviewing mission work is not weakness but spiritual maturity, calling parishes and families to reflect on whether they are still walking faithfully with Christ and whether young people find hope and belonging in the Church.
Beautifying God’s Mission
Archbishop Leonard declared that God’s mission has always been beautiful, revealed in forgiveness, hope, and eternal life through Christ. Yet he warned that human weakness can obscure this beauty when division, self-interest, or indifference take root.
“Beautifying God’s mission does not mean improving what God has done,” he said. “It means allowing the beauty of Christ to be seen more clearly through our lives and ministry.”
Recalling the sacrifices of the early missionaries, he highlighted Bishop John Coleridge Patteson, whose martyrdom at Nukapu in 1871 remains a lasting testimony to Christian discipleship. He urged the Diocese not to forget its history, but to let it inspire faithful service today.
He also addressed contemporary challenges such as alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, youth disengagement, poverty, and climate change, calling the Church to respond with courage and compassion.
Archbishop Dawea concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the wider Province to walk alongside Temotu. He urged Synod members to ensure that the gathering is remembered not only for resolutions passed, but for lives changed.
“May they remember that we loved Christ, loved His Church, and loved His people,” he said. “May they remember that we leave the Diocese stronger than we found it.”
This keynote set a hopeful tone for the Synod, reminding delegates that their decisions and actions will shape the legacy of the Diocese for generations to come.
Archbishop Leonard, who is from the Reef Islands, is the guest of honor at this 22nd Diocesan Synod, which will conclude on Thursday, 6th August.
The Diocese of Temotu comprises three regions and four parishes.